The Spiritual Gates of Power and Authority

Updated on June 7, 2011

Gates in ancient times had many functions. It served as places of assembly and commerce. Kings held audience and prophets proclaimed the Word of the Lord there (1 Kgs 22:10, Jer 17:19). Ezra read the Law in the gates to the people of Israel (Neh 8:1). Merchants sold their goods in this place; thus, the sheep gate was where they sold sheep; the fish gate was where they sold fish, and so on and so on.

The king and elders of a city also administered justice at the gate, even juridical transactions. Boaz secured his marriage to Ruth at a gate (Ruth 4:1).

A city’s security relied heavily on the strength of its main gate. Archaeological digs have found huge, ornate gates that once guarded places like Samaria and other Ancient Near Eastern Cities. It was the main point of attack by any invading force. To control the gate of a city is to control the city. It was that simple.

In the spiritual realm, the gates represented a place of authority and power over death and Hades (Ps 107:18, Isa, 38:10, Matt 16:18). It was also the narrow gate, rather than the main, that led people to eternal life (Matt 7:13).

As stated earlier, gates represented places of authority and power. 1 John 5:19 states, “We know we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:12 further states, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” What does all this mean?

We live in a world of light and darkness, good and evil, angels and demons, God and the Devil. The good and evil we see manifested in the physical world are sourced in this spiritual reality. Euthanasia and other unrighteous legislation are sourced from the demonic realm, not our political leaders. Remember: we fight not against flesh and blood.

We, the Christians, are like the 101st airborne battalion being dropped into enemy occupied territory to transform our demonized earth into the righteousness of heaven. We are called to bring the reality of the not yet. We are called to bring the reality of the new heaven and the new earth before the bulk of the angelic forces and Jesus arrive. How do we do this: by coming against the spiritual places of authority or gates ? These places of power hold the keys to breakthrough over Hawaii and other parts of the world. Every city and continent has spiritual places of authority.

Therefore, the weapons of our warfare must be spiritual, not physical. 2 Cor 10:3 states, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” The spiritual weapons we possess can destroy fortresses, both physical and spiritual. What are they?

The Word, prayer, worship, the Holy Spirit, but more importantly, our relationship and access to our papa in heaven, the Lord of Hosts. Hebrews 4:16 states, “Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” We have direct access to God’s throne room. We have gone past the gates, but into the highest realm of spiritual authority, his throne room.

What does this mean in regards to taking down the authority structures and power of the enemy? First, we carry the presence and the power of God wherever we go. How does this happen? We can come before God’s throne room whenever and wherever. We have direct access to the King of Kings. He will answer when we call upon Him. He will manifest his presence as we worship him in Spirit and and in truth

We also carry His Spirit within us. He dwells inside the temple of our body as a force greater than the demonic realm outside (1 John 4:4). We have power within and without to battle the enemy’s strongholds of this world. It’s a one-two punch against our adversary.

Whenever we worship Him, we proclaim him as King. We enthrone Him (Psalm 22:3). Jesus has already disarmed the power of the Devil (Col 1:15). He has overcome the world (John 16:33). We are just proclaiming the obvious to the dark powers over our cities. Jesus is King!

Wherever we go we carry the gate or the authority of God. When we come to an enemy stronghold and worship, The King of Kings manifests and stands at the demonic fortress and commands entrance. He is the Lord of Hosts (Psalm 24). The enemy must open the gate or God will tear off its hinges like Samson did to the Philistine gate (Judges 16:3). That is why the gates of hell cannot withstand the offensive onslaught of God’s church (Matthew 16:18). They cannot withstand God!

The weapon of worship unleashes the presence of God on the enemies of God’s people. Paul and Silas utilized this powerful weapon (Acts 16:25-30); Jehoshaphat placed singers in front of his army and God routed the enemies of Israel (1 Chron 20:21-22); David played his harp and the evil spirit oppressing Saul left (1 Sam 16:23). True worship of God has power.

What allows us access to God as Christians? We draw near to him from the heart (James 4:7-8); we call upon Him in truth (Psalm 145:18); we walk in obedience (Jn 14:23); we walk by faith (Heb 10:38). These things incorporated into our praise (tahila) will get us through the gate and release the favor of God on our lives. These things will smash down strongholds.

Today, we do not have physical gates around our cities, but we do have spiritual ones. These are places of authority that control the spiritual life of a city or region. As we praise (tahila) the living God at these various gates (Psalm 24), God’s presence will take control and usher in a revival of great magnitude on this land. The Lord of Hosts will come to inhabit and control the gates again. He will flood into the city with his presence. He will answer the call of true worshippers.

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Comments 10 comments

As a military man, the most important aspect of gates to me is that they are not an offensive weapon - they are defensive, meant to guard ground already occupied. It is time to wage war against the ground occupied by the enemy and tear down the defenses the enemy has built, to bring freedom to the captives. Amen brother, amen

The Minstrel 5 years ago from Hawaii Author

Amen Dave,

The research has been amazing.The gates are key.I appreciate you brother.

John

lifegate 5 years ago from Pleasant Gap, PA

Amen, Minstrel! "We, Christians, are like the 101st airborne battalion being dropped into enemy occupied territory to transform our demonized earth into the righteousness of heaven. Bookmarked this one!

steven oliver 5 years ago from North Carolina

"We draw near to him from the heart (James 4:7-8); we call upon Him in truth (Psalm 145:18); we walk in obedience (Jn 14:23); we walk by faith (Heb 10:38)." Awesome, Minstrel!!! thanks for this incredible read!

The Minstrel 5 years ago from Hawaii Author

Bless you Lifegate and Steven. Sorry for not responding earlier.

victory 4 years ago

May the Lord bless you. I learn a lot from your note.

The Minstrel 4 years ago from Hawaii Author

God bless you, too victory 84.

Mrs. Hilda Chitedze, Malawi 4 years ago

I have been ministered to by such a deep teaching that has dealt with the root causes of bondage. May God bless you with more revelations that may set many people free many different gates that wall us in bondage to the gates of praise - freedom in Jesus name.

The Minstrel 4 years ago from Hawaii Author

God bless you Hilda

You made my day.

Samuel from Kampala 3 years ago

you have helped me to get something to add in my teachings of this week may God bless you and give you more to share with his people.